A total of 16 contractors have been suspended from executing government projects in the North West region for a period of six months. The decision came down from officials of the Ministry of Public Contracts.

However, it was only made public in Bamenda on January 8 during the launch of the 2015 budget for the region. The event took place at the Bamenda Congress Hall and was presided by Adolphe Lele L’Afrique, the region’s governor.

North West regional delegate of Public Contracts, Ediage Herbert Apande, said measures were underway to punish other delinquent contractors who fail to meet up with deadlines for projects awarded them.

He warned that government is no longer ready to tolerate contractors who abandon projects anymore. He said that he’s ready and determined to ensure all projects for the North West are awarded on time.

He, however, disagreed with those who think that the creation of the Ministry of Public Contracts has made the procedure for award of contracts more complicated.

The 2015 budget for the region stands at over 20BFCFA to be used to realise some 92 programs. Adolphe L’Afrique sounded a warning note to stakeholders who pocket money meant for projects that they will henceforth not go free.

“The law punishes all those who do not fulfil the requirement towards realising the investment budget. This time around, government has given stringent instructions for follow-up and sanctions await those who go against the laws of the Republic especially contractors who show signs of incompetence in the tasks assigned to them,” he said.

He said enhancing the transparent management of gov’t finances will help fight poverty and the high cost of living in the North West. With the putting in place of a three year emergency plan by the Head of State, the governor said projects in the areas of infrastructure, roads, agriculture, livestock, health and security will be carried out in the region.

The North West realised 80% of its 2014 budget. This, the Governor added, would have passed that mark if all the stakeholders worked without reservation. It was revealed during the budget launch that so far 15 Ministries have transferred competences to councils within the framework of the decentralisation process.